Full-day Guided Immersion of the Old Days
Explore the history of the old city of Istanbul by foot! In this walking tour, you will not only visit iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, but you will also see Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman relics and taste authentic Turkish food.
Days
1
Price
US$209 p/p
Best For
First-timers
Best Time
Mar. to Nov.
Tour Highlights
We have just returned from an amazing trip to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Our travel adviser Albee Ning prepared a wonderful itinerary taking us to great locations with creative activities highlighting local culture.
We traveled with Asia Highlights (Lissie was our agent) several years ago when we went to Saigon, and the experience was so positive, we automatically went to Asia Highlights again for an extensive trip to Southeast Asia.
Itinerary Details
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Let us know of your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Meals provided: lunch
Welcome to Istanbul, the end of the ancient Silk Road, and the only city that spans both the continents of Asia and Europe! In this amazing tour, you will explore the highlights of the old city. Let's go!
Meet your private tour guide at the hotel in the morning. First go to Sultanahmet Square and see the Hippodrome, a great place to begin understanding Istanbul. The Hippodrome was built by the Romans in about 200 AD and was originally used for chariot racing and other public events. Try to find the oldest remaining column — the Egyptian Obelisk — and guess how old it is!
Then visit the Blue Mosque. It is probably Istanbul's most famous landmark, and it is also the only mosque in the world with six minarets! Marvel at its domes, 250 windows, and 20,000 amazing Iznik blue tiles.
Next is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture — the Hagia Sophia Museum. It was the largest cathedral for 1000 years until the Seville Cathedral was built. When you enter Hagia Sophia, the vastness of the 32 meter (105 foot) dome towering 56 meters (184 feet) overhead is astounding, especially given that the building was constructed 1500 years ago!
We will stop for lunch at a nice local restaurant before walking to Topkapi Palace.
Topkapi Palace was expanded by successive sultans, and remained the sultan's residence during the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. With opulent rooms, fine art collections, and peaceful courtyards, it is one of the highlights of the city. The Treasury has exquisite jewels, many of which are embedded in daggers, golden thrones encrusted with precious stones, and the 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond, the fifth largest in the world, which once adorned the turban of Mehmet IV.
Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered bazaars in the world, with over three thousand shops. Soak up the bazaar experience and enjoy the hospitality of passionate hawkers.
The tour ends at the Great Bazaar — you can stay there longer, or make your own way back to your hotel.
Optional trip to enrich your tour
Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner: Enjoy sightseeing at night from Bosphorus Bay. A delicious Turkish meal will be served for dinner on the cruise.
Price Includes
Price from: $209 (Tour code: gh-tk-4)
Trip Notes
1. Meet your personal guide at the hotel
Your personal tour guide will meet you at any hotel in central areas in the following neighborhoods: Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, and Taksim area. Pickup from anywhere outside these areas may incur extra charges. Speak to our team if you have any questions.
2. Transportation
This is a walking tour, so there is no private transportation. If you like, your private guide will assist you in taking public transportation (at your own expense).
3. Attraction Notes
Hagia Sophia is closed on Monday.
Blue Mosque is closed on Friday.
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday.
Grand Bazzar is closed on Sunday.
Why Travel with Global Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (prior to 3 weeks before departure, more details)
